63 m SAR Trimaran: new Offshore Patrol and Search And Rescue Vessel

The 63 m SAR Trimaran represents a new trend in Offshore Patrol and Search And Rescue Vessels, and employs the trimaran configuration, meaning the vessel has 3 hulls : i.e. one longer main hull and two smaller outer hulls. This configuration gives a dramatically increased beam, which provides inherent stability. This 63m also combines a Wave Piercing bow design which allows the vessel to cut-through waves rather than rise up and over them.

This combination of features significantly increases seaworthiness, reduces both pitching and rolling, and enables the vessel to comfortably and safely maintain higher average speeds in adverse sea conditions. This is a significant advantage for a SAR vessel, as the ability to put to sea and conduct rescue operations during stormy weather can mean the difference between life and death for victims of a maritime accident such as a sinking ferry.

The wide decks on the 63m SAR Trimaran also make it an ideal platform for carrying a helicopter, which extends the effective rescue range, and enables SAR personnel to get to the disaster scene sooner. The 63m is also designed to carry a large 11.3 m RHIB Inflatable boat, and two smaller RIBs, or two small hover-craft. All are launched via a ramp at the stern of the vessel. The RIBs can be used to deploy inflatable liferafts close-in to a stricken vessel, and to recover victims from the water. These craft can also be used to transfer staff and light cargo to shore during humanitarian disaster operations.